A CHURCH has launched a major appeal to stop its leaking roof from damaging historic treasures.

Centuries of harsh weather have taken their toll on St Mary's Church in High Street at Sandbach leaving its roof in need of urgent repair.

Officials expect the repair bill to run into thousands of pounds and are awaiting a report to pin point the extent of the damage.

The Rev Rex Buckley explained that heavy rain is eroding stonework and damaging wooden pews in the church, which was built in 1490.

He said: 'When it rains we have to cover the choir seats in plastic and put out buckets to catch the rain. We hope when there is a major service that it doesn't rain.

'Around 25 years ago the lead was taken off the roof because it was always being pinched. The covering that replaced it has passed its sell-by date. It's possible that re-leading is the answer as it is one of the best materials for weather-proofing.'

Mr Buckley said a lot of people in Sandbach use the church at some point in their lives and any donations would help with repairs.

He added: 'The worse scenario if the work is not done would be that some of the irreplaceable carvings around the stalls and choir area would be lost forever.

'It is perhaps Sandbach's most historic and important building.'

* Donations can be posted to the Rev Rex Buckley, The Vicarage, Offley Road, Sandbach or handed in at the church's Autumn fair on Saturday at St Mary's Church Hall from 10am to 2pm.